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Home My WebLink About1997-09-02 Town Council MinutesMINUTES VAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING September 2, 1997 7:30 P.M. A regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was held on Tuesday, September 2, 1997, in the Council Chambers of the Vail Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT; Robert W. Armour, Mayor Sybill Navas, Mayor Pro -tern Kevin Foley Rob Ford Michael Jewett Ludwig Kurz MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Johnston TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT: Bob McLau►in, Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager 0 Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. As there was none, the Council moved to the second item on the agenda, that being Proclamation #3; Series of 1997, recognizing the Achievements of Mike Kloser, local bicyclist and winner of numerous awards for his bicycle racing including World Cross Country Champion, World Downhill Champion Silver Medalist, twice World Cub 2nd Overall and named as one of the top 10 racers of all time, as well as being selected to represent the athletes on the International Mountain Biking Commission. Mike also worked with Vail Associates to develop mountain biking programs and trails in the Vail and Beaver Creek mountains. Mike has recently retired from the mountain bike racing circuit after 12 years of racing. Councilmember Sybill Navas made a motion to approve Proclamation No. 3, Series of 1997, and Rob Ford seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. Mike addressed the Council, thanking them for the recognition and also thanked his wife and family for their support over the years. The third item of the agenda was Ordinance No. 16, Series of 1997, an ordinance Amending the Charter of the Town of Vail, to change the designated Town of Vail regular election date and to allow notification of the Sufficiency of Initiative or Referendum Petitions to be sent to the petitioner's committee by Registered Mail. Tom Moorhead, Town Attorney, presented the ordinance to the Town Council, stating this ordinance would amend the Charter to change Vail's regular municipal election date from the third Tuesday in November during odd numbered years to the first Tuesday during odd numbered year. The change would coincide with the Eagle County coordinated elections. It would also allow the use of certified mail as opposed to registered mail for notification as outlined in the Charter. Mayor Armour stated this mail -in ballot would help simplify the election process, reduce confusion, save money and improve vote turn- out. After some discussion, Councilmember Foley made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 16, Series of 1997, on first reading and Councilmember Kurz seconded the motion. Councilmember Jewett asked if a regular election could be held by mail -in ballots. Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer stated that the plan at this time was for odd -numbered years only, unless this is changed by the Clerk and Recorder's Office in Eagle County. The question was also raised whether if this election date were approved by voters, if the Council would retain the option to hold an at -the -polls election. Assistant Town Manager Pam Brandmeyer stated she would research this. (See attached letter). Councilmember Navas asked if the Town of Vail could choose to have a walk-in election in Vail. Assistant Town Manager Brandmeyer stated she did know the answer to this question, but would investigate it and get back to Councilmember Navas. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously and ordered published in full on first reading. The fourth item on the agenda was the reading of Resolution No. 16, Series of 1997, a resolution adopting an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Eagle County School District RE50J and the Town of Vail to secure seasonal housing for the benefit of employees. Tom Moorhead presented the ordinance to the Town Council, stating the agreement allows the town and the 4 housing at Timber Ridge and Lake Creek, along with other complexes. Councilmember Sybil] Navas questioned why an agreement needed to be made with the school district. Larry Grafel, Public Works Director, stated that working in conjunction with the school district offered a double advantage in securing housing, as well as offered more flexibility to the recuitment program.. Councilmember Kurz asked if other properties became available would they be able to participate in the program, to which Town Attorney Tom Moorhead answered this agreement in no way precluded the addition of other properties. Attorney Moorhead also stated the Town of Vail and the school district would independently determine the terms and conditions by which these units would be offered to employees and they would be independently responsible for any casts incurred in providing housing to their individual employees. Councilmember Jewett recommended the possibility of a discount for obtaining a master lease, but was advised that property owners were not interested in being tied to a master lease and would like the flexibility of individual leases with seasonal employees. After further discussion, Councilmember Navas made a motion to approve Resolution No. 16, Series of 1997, and Rob Ford seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. The fifth item on the agenda was the Town Manager's Report. Town Manager Bob McLaurin stated he had no additional comments to the report, but would be happy to answer any questions. As there was no further business, a motion was made by Rob Ford to adjourn the meeting and a second was made by Kevin Foley. A vote was taken and passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Ro(e:ttlArmour, Mayor ATTEST: Lori Aker, Acting Town Clerk • Minutes prepared by Mary A. Caster 0 A) TOWN OF PAIL 0*-e of the Town Manager Wth Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 MEMORANDUM 970-479-21 p5/Fax 970-479-2157 TO: Vail Town Council FROM: Pamela A. Brandmeyev-t DATE: September 4, 1997 RE: Coordinated Election As a follow-up to your question about our requirement to coordinate our election with the County should we change our election date, we have been advised by Sara. Fisher that we do not. Therefore, it would be possible for the Council to make a timely decision prior to our regular municipal election date to either coordinate with the County or to hold our own at -the -polls election which the Town would then oversee. Sara also stated mail ballots produce a better turnout that an at -the -polls election. If you would like Sara to speak at a Council meeting in regard to coordinated versus at -the -polls elections, she would be happy to do so. PAB/aw xc: Bob McLaurin Suzanne Silverthorn Tom Moorhead Lori Aker J Mary Caster C, J 11 QRECYCLEDPAPER 11 l� TOWN OF VAIL WSouth Frontage Road l, Colorado 81657 970-479-2100 FAX 970-479-2157 MEDIA ADVISORY September 3, 1997 Contact: Suzanne Silverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2 Work Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Johnston, Kurz, Navas --School District Election Update Diane Golden of Vail and other members of a citizens committee formed to support the Eagle County School District bond election appeared before the Council to answer questions and to request Council consideration of a resolution in support of the election issue. In November, voters will be asked to approve a $54.9 million bond issue for new schools, improvement of • existing facilities and technology improvements. During discussion, Councilmember Sybill Navas asked about the future of Red Sandstone Elementary School (the only public school located in Vail), which has been rumored to close from time to time. John Hefty, superintendent of schools, assured the Council there are no plans to close the school. In fact, he said it would appear enrollment this year is higher than projections. Also yesterday, Hefty acknowledged the upcoming bond election will not cover operating costs for the proposed facilities. If the bonds are approved by voters, a second election for approval of operating expenses would be needed in the future. For more information, contact the Eagle County School District at 328-6321. --1998 Capital Projects Discussion Although no final decisions were made, the Council reviewed a list of $8.7 million in proposed capital improvement projects for next year's budget. The list includes replacement of 8 buses for $2.1 million ($1 million will come from a federal grant that will be used to share 6 of the buses with the City of Taos, N.M.) and the first phase of a Vail Village snowmelt project that would include heating the top deck of the Transportation Center, the central stairs leading to Slifer Plaza and from Siifer Plaza to the Covered Bridge. This list also includes replacement of the pavers around Checkpoint Charlie and an overlay of Gore Creek Drive and Willow Bridge Road. During Council discussion, Rob Ford said he wasn't yet committed to a full-scale snowmelt project given other needs in the community, such as locals housing, while Sybill Navas suggested an emphasis on heating the parking structure's west and east stairways (as well as the central stairs) in lieu of Slifer Plaza as the first snowmelt phase. Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, said he would explore costs associated with the expanded heated stairs project. Meanwhile, Bob McLaurin, town manager, said an initial meeting with the Vail Village Commercial Property Owners Associated indicated a willingness on the private sector's part to help fund a snowmelt project. McLaurin says he's currently exploring ways in which a cost -share program. McLaurin said a snowmelt system from the top of the Transportation Center to the top of Bridge Street would reduce the conflict of snowplow and snow removal operations in the Village, reduce the number of slip and fall claims against the town and reduce the town's dependency on manual labor to shovel snow by hand. Also during discussion yesterday, there was a suggestion by Navas to improve the parking structure pedestrian (more) �J RECYCLEDPAPBR TOV Council Highlights/Add 1 entrances and to paint and repair the exterior of the old town shops; Kevin Foley expressed concerns about summer construction impacts related to the snowmelt project; and there was interest by Bob Armour and Navas to schedule the $2.6 million Vail Valley Drive street reconstruction project in 1999 rather than 2001 to make way for the new Alpine Garden Education Center. For more information, contact Bob McLaurin at 479-2105. 1998 Real Estate Transfer Tax Projects Discussion Next, the Council reviewed a list of $12.5 million in proposed projects that would be funded by the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT). The tax is dedicated, by ordinance, to be used solely for parks, trails and open space. About $1.4 million will be available for 1998 projects in categories such as open space acquisition; master planning; park development; Ford Park Master Plan improvement; recreation paths; trail development; and park maintenance. After reviewing the long fist of needs, Council members agreed that a community -wide park master plan project, budgeted for $75,000 (a Vail Tomorrow recommendation), should be a priority for 1998. Council members also asked to see a list of recommended improvements that are tied to the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships. In addition, Bill Wilto, a former councilmember, asked the Council to maintain the use of RETT in its current form (rather than earmark a portion for other uses such as housing). After reviewing the $12 million list, Wilto said there are plenty of uses for the tax as it's currently structured. With the potential for a decline in RETT revenues in the future, Wilto said he would be disappointed to see the tax diluted for other purposes. Also during discussion Counciimember Navas suggested cleaning up the construction staging sites at Donovan and Stephens parks permanently. The Council will revisit the RETT list at its Sept. 9 work session. • --Information Update In response to community concerns about the height of the International Wing currently under construction, Andy Knudtsen of the Community Development Department, presented an update indicating the top of the building's steel is three feet below the established view corridor, which is less than the allowed height. Certification of the height by surveyors, required of all projects in the Commercial Core 1 District, is forthcoming, he said. On another matter, Knudtsen said additional research on the ventilation system at Vail Commons is underway, Sound consuitants have been on -site, a sound monitor has been installed and options and associated costs. will be evaluated by the sound counsultants. Although several neighbors have complained about the noise generated by City Market's ventilation system, the noise doesn't violate the town's sound ordinance. In response to Knudtsen's report, Councilman Michael Jewett said the town shouldn't be paying to address the issue. He said the problem lies with City Market, The Council reviewed an ordinance which was approved on first reading at the evening meeting to place two charter questions on the Nov. 18 election ballot. (See evening meeting briefs for details.) Councilmembers were informed that TCI Cablevision has asked to postpone its presentation . previously scheduled for the Sept. 2 evening meeting on the topic of digital compression. Other announcements yesterday: a letter is being sent to Vail Associates to ask for help in developing an inventory of the amount of ski storage in Lionshead; the two Vail Youth Award exchange students, Alissa Ferri and Chad Sewell are back from Mt. Buller, Australia, and will appear before the Council at the Sept. 16 evening meeting to share their experiences; a representative from St. Moritz, Switzerland, will be in Vail Oct. 10-23 and would like to meet with several councilmembers to explore a stepped -up exchange program between Vail and its sister city; the Vail Town Council will host lunch with a delegation from Whistler, British Columbia, on (more) TOV Council Highlights/Add 2 Sept. 16; the next meeting of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns is Sept. 25 & 26 in Telluride; the next meeting of the Eagle County Recreation Authority (Berry Creek Fifth) is Sept. 4. --Austria Haus Construction Plan Next, councilmembers reviewed a revised construction schedule for redevelopment of the Austria Haus. During the town's approval process, the applicants had indicated construction would not occur during ski season. But now, due to a change in materials, the contractor, Shaw Construction, has proposed to construct year-round, beginning this month, with the project substantially complete by Dec. 1, 1998. During Council discussion, George Ruther, a planner in the Community Development Department, said surrounding property owners appear to favor a year-round schedule. But Councilman Paul Johnston wondered why the town would want to allow construction to occur during ski season. Speaking from experience, Johnston said he feared it would be too disruptive. Councilman Rob Ford, who expressed disappointment that the construction schedule was being altered, said the town needs to put teeth in enforcing whatever construction staging is agreed upon. Councilmembers then agreed to a zero -tolerance level for violations, such as parking, deliveries and noise, indicating projects would be red -tagged ( stopped) for any such violations. At the suggestion of Councilman Ludwig Kurz, the Council asked to see the Austria Haus site plans and a month -to -month construction schedule at the Sept. 9 work session before authorizing the town attorney to sign off on a construction agreement. For more information, contact George Ruther in the Community Development • Department at 479-2145. --Council Reports Mayor Bob Armour welcomed those attending an incentive marketing group meeting held recently at the Marriott. He said the group is responsible for booking a half -billion dollars of lodging a year. --Other Kevin Foley and Paul Johnston shared positive feedback from guests who've used the technology programs at the Vail Library. Evening Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Kurz, Navas --Citizen Participation There was no citizen participation. --Mike Kloser Recognition The Council voted 6-0 to approve a mayoral proclamation recognizing the achievements of Vail resident Mike Kloser, who recently retired from the mountain bike racing circuit after 12 years. He's been named as one of the top 10 racers of all time. Kloser, who was on hand to accept the proclamation, thanked his wife and family for their enduring support. --Ordinance to Place Charter Questions on November Ballot The Council voted 6-0 to approve first reading of an ordinance that would place two charter questions on the upcoming Nov. 18 Town of Vail municipal election ballot. The first would amend the charter to change Vail's regular municipal election date from the third Tuesday in November during odd numbered years to the first Tuesday in November during odd numbered years. The change would coincide with the Eagle County coordinated elections. The second (more) TOV Council Highlights/Add 3 issue would allow the use of certified mail in place of registered mail for notification as outlined in the charter. During discussion yesterday, several Council members appeared disappointed to learn that Eagle County would likely hold elections by mail during the odd numbered years. That 01 would mean Vail's municipal elections, too, would appear on the same mail -in ballot. Mayor Bob Armour, who first suggested the election change, said a mail -in ballot would help simplify the election process, reduce confusion, save money and improve voter turn -out. If the charter changes are approved by voters during the Nov. 18 election, Vail's next municipal election would be held Nov, 2, 1999. For details, contact Pam Brandmeyer, assistant town manager, at 479- 2113. --Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Eagle County School District and the Town of Vail for Seasonal Rental Housing The Council voted 6-0 to approve a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the two entities. The agreement allows the town and school district to partner with one another in obtaining year -long master leases for seasonal rental housing at Timber Ridge, Lake Creek and other complexes. The housing, approximately 10 or 11 bedrooms in all, would be secured now for eventual use by town and school district employees. In response to a question from Councilmember Sybill Navas about the need for having a master lease partner, Tom Moorhead, town attorney, said the agreement would allow greater flexibility. For example, a Town of Vail employee could end of sharing a unit with a school district employee, he said. The town and school district will independently determine the number of units necessary to assist in fulfilling housing needs for employees, Moorhead said. Each of the entities will • independently determine terms and conditions by which they'll be offered to their employees and each entity will be responsible for any costs incurred in providing housing to their individual employees. The housing agreement is the first of its kind between the town and school district as both entities look for creative ways to assist employees with their housing needs. For more information, contact Tom Moorhead at 479-2107. UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS September 9 Work Session PEC/DRB Review. Parking Discussion Capital & RETT Budgets Review Sales Tax Executive Session - Personnel Matters Austria Haus Staging Plan September 16 Work Session Contribution Requests Budget Workshop Discussion, Ordinance re: Parking Fines 101 September 16 Evening Meeting Youth Award Winners Return from Mt. Buller?? (sp) Parking Public Hearing First Reading Ordinance re: Parking Fines Second Reading, Ordinance re: Charter Amendments it TOWN OF VAIL 7`' " uth Frontage Road iColorado 81657 970-479-2100 FAX 970-4.79-2157 MEDIA ADVISORY September 10, 1997 Contact: Suzanne Sllverthorn, 479-2115 Community Information Office VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR SEPTEMBER 9 Work Session Briefs Council members present: Armour, Foley, Ford, Jewett, Johnston*, Kurz, Navas* *Arrived late --Parking Discussion After approving staff -recommended strategies and policies associated with operation of the parking structures, the Council reviewed three rate structure possibilities and other concepts developed by the TOV-VA Community Task Force and town staff. Most councilmembers reacted favorably to "proposal # 2" which would maintain the 90 minute free parking program and reduce --from $3 to $2--the cost of parking for the first two hours. Most councilmembers also advocated a proposal to maintain the "Park Free After Three" program (officially starting at 4:30 since cars entering at 3 would receive credit for the first 90 minutes) and expressed support for retention of the gold, blue and debit card programs, as well as maintaining free parking at Ford Park. There was also support for introducing the soccer field lot as a new use, a privately - operated valet parking lot. Noting that it's probably too late to implement this year, Councilmembers asked the merchant groups to explore the possibility of a merchant validation program for the 1998-99 season. Also yesterday, Council reaction was mixed to the suggestion of a $1 or $2 flat fee for summer parking. The discussions will resume at the Sept. 16 evening meeting for additional public comment. About 16 people, mostly business owners and members of the Community Task Force, attended yesterday's meeting. Individual comments included: a suggestion to charge $1 to park for up to two hours (with only 60 minutes of free parking); a question about the amount of revenue needed to cover the cost of parking operations; a suggestion that Vail Associates offer public parking. at its North Day and/or West Day employee lots in Lionshead during peak periods; the need to retain the 90 minute free parking program to assist users of the Public Library and Dobson Ice Arena; the need to retain the blue pass program; the need to make Vail as accessible as possible to combat downvalley competition; concerns about equity and implementation of a merchant validation program; and a suggestion to test -market a merchant validation program. Also yesterday, Councilman Michael Jewett floated his own proposal, suggesting a flat fee of $10 from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.; a fee of $5 from 11 •a.m. to 3 p.m. and a $2 fee from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. For more information, contact Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, at 479-2173. --Capital Projects Budget The Council reviewed the proposed 1998 capital budget and tentatively agreed to move forward with installation of a snowmelt system for: the top deck of the Vail Transportation Center Plaza; the center, east and west stairways of the Village Parking Structure; and Seibert Circle. Councilmembers decided NOT to heat Slifer Plaza or the walkway along East Meadow Drive near the Austria Haus, although streetscape improvements for those areas are included in the plan. The adjustments made by Council yesterday (in addition to a list of other capital projects) (more) #* RECYCLEPPAPER TOV Council Highlights/Add 1 frees up about $390,000 from the $6,7 million capital budget next year. That prompted a suggestion by Councilmembers Rob Ford and Michael Jewett to beef -up the housing budget for • 1998, which currently stands at $30,000. Councilmembers then asked Andy Knudtsen, senior housing policy planner, to prepare some cost estimates and formulas for the 1998 work program, which includes completion of the Red Sandstone development in partnership with the water district; development of the "town manager's lots"; and redevelopment of the Arosa 'A - frame" property. Knudtsen is currently drafting a housing strategic plan which will help guide the town's future housing programs. The plan will be presented for public comment later this fall. Councilman Paul Johnston said the strategic plan will be especially useful in determining the Town of Vail's role with respect to housing. Also yesterday, Jim Lamont of the East Village Homeowners Association suggested retaining a streetscape project planned for West Meadow Drive that had been dropped from the capital improvements list. For more information, contact Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, at 479-2173. --Austria Haus Construction Staging The Council voted 6-1 (Johnston against) to direct the staff and developers of the Austria Haus to work cooperatively in drafting a construction scheduling and staging agreement that would permit the redevelopment of the Austria Haus to occur during the 1997/98 winter ski season. The vote occurred after a presentation by the contractor and developer in which issues such as truck access, traffic control, parking, pedestrian safety, work hours, dust and noise control, snow removal and other topics were addressed. The schedule calls for construction to begin this month with the building substantially complete by December 1998. If the contractor doesn't comply with the agreement, the project will be red -tagged. Councilman Rob Ford said similar construction schedules should be included as part of the approval process for Special Development Districts, while Mayor Bob Armour said the construction staging plans reviewed at Tuesday's meeting could become a standard for all future projects. For more information, contact Larry Grafel, public works/transportation director, at 479-2173. --Information Update Council members received a packet of the contribution requests for the 1998 budget. The requests will be discussed at the Sept. 16 work session. Announcements included the following: councilmembers were invited to attend a follow-up design charette for. the Lionshead. Master Planning process, on Sept, 13; the grand opening of the temporary skate park in Lionshead will be Sept. 13; Trees for Vail is Sept. 13; the Vail Tomorrow Building Community Team proposes the first "community chat" with elected officials to occur at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the Hubcap Brewery; plans for completion of the lower bench of Ford Park by the Alpine Garden Foundation will be presented to Council at the Sept. 23 work session; lunch with Whistler's elected officials will take place on Sept. 16; and another meeting on pine beetles will be held Thursday. --Council Reports Paul Johnston gave an update on the most recent meeting of the Eagle County Recreation Authority. The group continues to explore a partnership with the school district regarding master planning of the two properties. Johnston said the group is interested in the possibility of expanding its partnership with other entities such as Vail Associates and Bachelor Gulch. Kevin Foley reported on a Vail Recreation District meeting, an upcoming joint meeting of the Vail Village and Lionshead merchant associations, and indicated the Art In Public Places Board meets later this week to review design submittals for Seibert Circle. Foley also said the Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority is researching the possibility of developing a parcel of (more) TOV Council Highlights/Add 2 land for a combined facilities use by Eagle County, Beaver Creek Resort Co. and the Town of Avon. On a related note, Paul Johnston suggested the town explore the concept of expanding • regional service by adding an express bus from Dotsero to Vail. --Other Councilman Kevin Foley asked that information on staffing and budgeting comparisons for Vail and other area ski resorts be placed in the Council packets for the next meeting. UPCOMING DISCUSSION TOPICS Sept. 16 Work Session Contribution Requests RETT Budget Discussion Ordinance 417, re: Parking Fines Sept. 16 Evening Meeting Youth Award Winners Return from Mt. Buller Parking Program Public Hearing First Reading Ordinance #17 re: Parking Fines Second Reading Ordinance #16, Charter Amendments Sept. 23 Work Session PEC/DRB Review Lionshead Master Plan Stage 3 Parking Ford Park Alpine Rock Garden Discussion Sept. 30 (No Meeting) u y TOWN OF PAIL Q/of the Town Manager 7 th Frontage Road Vail, Colorado 81657 970-479-2105/Fax 970-479-2157 MEMORANDUM TO: Vail Town Council FROM: Pamela A. Brandmeye)' DATE: September 4, 1997 RE: Coordinated Election As a follow-up to your question about our requirement to coordinate our election with the County should we change our election date, we have been advised by Sara Fisher that we do not. Therefore, it would be possible for the Council to wake a timely decision prior to our regular municipal election •date to either coordinate with the County or to hold our own at -the -polls election which the Town would then oversee. Sara also stated mail ballots produce a better turnout that an at -the -polls election. If you would like Sara to speak at a Council meeting in regard to coordinated versus at -the -polls elections, she would be happy to do so. PAB/aw xc: Bob McLaurin Suzanne Silverthorn Tom Moorhead Lori Aker / Mary Caster ✓ Cam• RECYCLEDPAPER TN,